PSA: The Wii U GamePad is NOT a tablet controller

"Ever since the existence of the Wii U was leaked just prior to E3 2011, game developers, publishers, those in the gaming press, just about everyone but Nintendo have called the console's new controller "a tablet." Every time someone does this, they drag their collective fingernails across the chalkboard of my soul.

Anyone who has used the Wii U GamePad should be able to tell you that it's not a tablet device. A tablet features multi-touch screen controls, and does not rely on multiple buttons and control sticks/pads. The Wii U GamePad does not feature a multi-touch screen controls, and it does have dedicated buttons and control sticks (and one control pad).", writes Destructoid.

No one thinks It's actually a tablet with hundreds of dollars worth of hardware and software. It's a figure of speech born from the size and shape. Most call it that due to its huge bulky awkward shape for gaming.

Wii u so far has done nothing but split up huds and menus of games on two differnt screens where the gamer has to look away from the screen. Most will see that as awkward. It will be seen as adding an extra step that was made convenient with traditional controller based gaming.

Some people sit leaning towards the tv when playing, so they would have to look down at the controller in a normal gaming environment at home.

No one expected the pad was a tablet that would in reality cost 2 to 3 times the worth of the console itself. Tablets are computers.

It's like having a logitech Harmony One and then being told you need to use another screen to fully use the gear/remote

Do you hold up the pad durring long sessions with certain games(zombie U for example) This is not a casual controller for soccer moms, kids and grandpa.

Wii U is adding more complexity to their casual base with this awkward concept/design.

This thing is so hardcore even core gamers will have to get use to it assuming they have the patients for multi step gaming.

Looks like you are very misinformed and you probably never watched any WiiU footage.

Fifa 13, Madden 13, Rayman Legends and ZombiU is already showing the WiiU's Gamepad will be good for players, and Rayman Legends has an unique Multiplayer gameplay thanks to the tablet controller.

"Wii U is adding more complexity to their casual base with this awkward concept/design. "

Yeah, looks like you need to read some previews/hands on. Everyone is saying the controller is very light and comfortable, but you (who probably never played it) is saying bad things about the controller.

And no, I already played the console and it's not as hard as youre making it sound. Actually, it's pretty easy to play games like ZombiU and P-100 (that's all I played, unfortunately, but good games) with the gamepad and it's really good because it creates tense moments for games like ZombiU. You're underestimating your own brain and capabilities saying it will be hard to control without even trying.

The reason you have 2 bubbles is because your a hypocrite. Go to any 360 SmartGlass article and this guy will be there praising it but now he saying WiiUPad is a bad idea.J the WiiU is less casual than Wii was. I'm sure a casual can figure how to iPad why can't the figure out a controller with a touch screen. Why don't you go back to the 360 and praise the mighty SmartGlass more.

Ok.... so to summarize: It's not a "tablet" because it doesn't have a Multi-touch screen or the same functionality. It has an older Single-touch screen, but with buttons and analog sticks. Then he goes on a rant about using the proper terms and so on.

Well, that was fast! Most D-toid articles take the better half of a week to get on here, if they ever do... OT, A few commenters have said they believe this to be satire. I don't know about that, but it definitely seems plausible based on some of the wording... If it is, I certainly didn't catch it on my read [email protected]@;;

didn't sounds like satire to me, more like holmes desperately attempting to come across as smart and superior. like a couple weeks ago when he called people "lemmings" if they bought multiplatform releases 'on the system their frieds own it on' rather than the 'full featured' version. as if EVERYONE owns a ps3 AND a 360. what a douchebag.

Yes, a tablet has multitouch, yes, a tablet does not have dedicated buttons and control sticks. But a controller HAS dedicated buttons and control sticks. Hence why people call it a TABLET CONTROLLER! A mixture of the two.